This month, we’re awarding Find of the Month to one of our team members, Seb. What started as a piece he initially believed to be scrap metal turned out to be something far more exciting.
The Discovery
- Date: 2nd February 2025
- Detector: XP Deus 2
- Set-up: 9” FMF coil
Out on a typical detecting session, Seb picked up a target that didn’t immediately scream “keeper.” But like many seasoned detectorists, he stuck to a simple rule: keep everything…just in case.
“I keep all my finds just in case they turn out to be something,” Seb explained. “Once I’ve had a proper look at home, it might end up being disposed of, but you never know!”
A Second Chance
It wasn’t until a few months later, back at home, that this particular item got a second look. While going through his finds collection, Seb decided to soak it alongside a batch of other coins. What started as a bit of routine cleaning soon turned into something much more interesting.
Using a composite cleaning pencil as a test, faint details began to emerge. Then came the moment every detectorist hopes for; a figure started to appear.
“That’s when it clicked,” Seb said. “I could see a figure holding a sceptre, and instantly your mind goes into overdrive…what is it?”
The Realisation
With more detail revealed, Seb did what most of us would. He dived into research. Comparing images online and checking finds groups, he began narrowing it down.
“After ruling out Roman, I had a feeling it could be Byzantine,” he said.
And he was right.
The Identification
The coin has since been officially confirmed by the FLO as:
- Byzantine Empire
- Thessalonike mint
- Copper tetarteron
- John II Komnenos (1118–1143)
- Obverse: Bust of St Demetrios
- Reverse: Half figure of the Emperor facing, holding a sceptre
Why It Matters
While the exact rarity is still being assessed, there’s no doubt this is a remarkable find, both historically and personally. Byzantine coins are not everyday discoveries in the UK, making this one even more special.
Coins like this date back to the Byzantine Empire, the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, where coinage played a crucial role in trade across Europe and the Mediterranean. These coins often featured detailed religious and imperial imagery; typically a ruling emperor on one side and Christian figures or symbols on the other, reflecting the strong link between state and faith at the time . Seb’s find, a copper tetarteron from the reign of John II Komnenos (1118–1143), would have originally circulated in regions such as modern-day Greece, struck in mints like Thessalonike. What makes this discovery even more intriguing is its journey. How a coin from the Byzantine world, over 800 years old, ended up buried in UK soil remains a mystery. Whether lost through trade, travel, or later movement by collectors, it’s a powerful reminder of just how far history can travel beneath our feet.
But beyond the history, this find highlights something just as important: never write off a signal too quickly.
Final Thoughts
Seb’s discovery is a perfect example of patience, curiosity, and a bit of detective work paying off. From an unassuming piece of metal to a coin dating back nearly 900 years! iI’s a journey every detectorist dreams of.
So next time you’re out in the field and get that uncertain signal… dig it, keep it, and give it a second look.
You never know what might be hiding beneath the surface.